RF Dielectric Waveguide Duplexer Filter Module

ABSTRACT

An RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module with antenna and lower and upper Tx and Rx signal transmission blocks of dielectric material attached together in a side-by-side and stacked relationship. The blocks are covered with conductive material. Antenna and Tx and Rx input/outputs are defined at opposite ends of the filter module. RF signal transmission windows define direct coupling RF signal transmission paths between the antenna and the Tx and Rx blocks and between the lower and upper Tx and Rx blocks. One or more bridges of dielectric material on the lower Tx and Rx blocks define inductive cross-coupling Tx and Rx signal transmission paths. The Tx signal is transmitted only in the direction of the antenna block or between the upper and lower Tx blocks. The Rx signal is transmitted only in the direction of the Rx RF signal input/output or between the upper and lower Rx blocks.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application that claims the benefitof the filing date and disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/198,101 filed on Jun. 30, 2016, the contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

This application is also a continuation-in-part application that claimsthe benefit of the filing date and disclosure of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/682,271 filed on Apr. 9, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,466,864issued on Oct. 11, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated hereinby reference.

This application is a continuation-in-part application that claims thebenefit of the filing date and disclosure of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/708,870 filed on May 11, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,437,908issued on Sep. 6, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein byreference, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/373,862 filed on Dec. 3, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,030,279issued on May 12, 2015.

This application is also a continuation-in-part application that claimsthe benefit of the filing date and disclosure of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/842,920 filed on Sep. 2, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,431,690issued on Aug. 30, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated hereinby reference, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/088,471 filed on Nov. 25, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,130,255issued on Sep. 8, 2015.

This application is also a continuation-in-part application that claimsthe benefit of the filing date and disclosure of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/842,946 filed on Sep. 2, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,437,909issued on Sep. 6, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein byreference, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/490,284 filed on Sep. 18, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,130,258issued on Sep. 8, 2015.

This application is also a continuation-in-part application that claimsthe benefit of the filing date and disclosure of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/152,325 filed on May 11, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,050,321issued on Aug. 14, 2018, the contents of which are incorporated hereinby reference.

This application also claims the benefit of the filing date anddisclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/187,282filed on Jul. 1, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated herein byreference as are all references cited therein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to an RF dielectric duplexer filter and,more specifically, to an RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Radio-frequency (RF) duplexer filters provide for the transmission,reception, and filtering of RF TX and RX signals. Current air cavityduplexer filters provide desirable performance but are too large.Current dielectric combline duplexers are smaller in size than aircavity filters but lack the performance of air cavity filters.

The present invention is directed to a radio-frequency (RF) dielectricwaveguide duplexer module that is comparable in size to dielectriccombline duplexers and offers performance comparable to air cavityfilters.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to an RF dielectricwaveguide duplexer filter module for the transmission of Tx and Rx RFsignals comprising respective antenna and lower and upper Tx and Rxblocks of dielectric material attached together in a side-by-side andstacked relationship, a layer of conductive material covering each ofthe respective antenna and lower and upper Tx and Rx blocks, respectiveantenna and Tx and Rx input/outputs defined at opposite ends of thefilter module and located in the antenna and lower Tx and Rx blocks,respective RF signal transmission windows in the layer of conductivematerial defining direct coupling RF signal transmission paths betweenthe antenna and the Tx and Rx blocks and between the lower and upper Txand Rx blocks, one or more bridges of dielectric material on the lowerTx and Rx blocks defining cross-coupling Tx and Rx signal transmissionpaths through the respective lower Tx and Rx blocks, and the Tx signalbeing transmitted only in the direction of the antenna block or betweenthe upper and lower Tx blocks and the Rx signal being transmitted onlyin the direction of the Rx RF signal input/output or between the upperand lower Rx blocks.

The present invention is also directed to an RF dielectric waveguideduplexer filter module for the transmission of Tx and Rx RF signalscomprising an antenna block of dielectric material including an antennainput/output, the antenna block including a plurality of exteriorsurfaces covered with a layer of conductive material and first andsecond antenna Tx and Rx signal transmission regions on one of theexterior surfaces defining a direct coupling path for the transmissionof the Tx and Rx RF signals. A Tx RF signal waveguide filter includingstacked lower and upper Tx blocks of dielectric material includingexterior surfaces covered with a layer of conductive material anddefining a plurality of resonators, a plurality of Tx RF signaltransmission regions defined between the stacked lower and upper Txblocks defining a direct coupling path for the transmission of the Tx RFsignal between the stacked lower and upper Tx blocks, a third antenna TxRF signal transmission region defined on one end exterior surface of thelower Tx block defining a direct coupling path for the transmission ofthe Tx RF signal from the lower Tx block into the antenna block, one ormore bridges of dielectric material on the lower Tx block defining across coupling path for the transmission of the Tx RF signal through thelower Tx block, and a Tx RF signal input/output defined at the end ofthe lower Tx block opposite the end with the third antenna Tx RF signaltransmission region. An RF Rx signal waveguide filter includes stackedlower and upper Rx blocks of dielectric material including exteriorsurfaces covered with a layer of conductive material and defining aplurality of resonators, a plurality of Rx RF signal transmissionregions defined between the lower and upper Rx blocks defining a directcoupling path for the transmission of the Rx RF signal between thestacked lower and upper Rx blocks, a fourth antenna Rx RF signaltransmission region defined on one end exterior surface of the lower Rxblock defining a direct coupling path for the transmission of the Rx RFsignal from the antenna block into the lower Rx block, one or morebridges of dielectric material on the lower Rx block defining a crosscoupling path for the transmission of the Rx RF signal through the lowerRx block, and an Rx RF signal input/output defined at the end of thelower Rx block opposite the end with the fourth antenna Tx RF signaltransmission region. The Tx and Rx RF signal waveguide filters areattached in side-by-side relationship and the antenna block beingattached to the lower Tx and Rx blocks of the respective Tx and Rxsignal waveguide filters in a side-by-side relationship along the end ofthe lower Tx and Rx signal blocks with the respective antenna Tx and Rxsignal transmission regions, the Tx RF signal being adapted fortransmission only in the direction of the antenna block or between theupper and lower Tx blocks and the Rx signal being adapted fortransmission only in the direction of the Rx RF signal input/output orbetween the upper and lower Rx blocks.

In one embodiment, the first, second, third, and fourth antenna Tx andRx signal transmission regions are defined by respective first, second,third and fourth RF signal transmission windows of dielectric materialin the layer of conductive material covering the respective blocks ofdielectric material.

In one embodiment, the plurality of Tx and Rx RF signal transmissionregions between the respective upper and lower Tx and Rx RF signalblocks are defined by respective RF signal transmission windows ofdielectric material in the layer of conductive material covering therespective blocks of dielectric material or respective isolated RFsignal transmission pads of conductive material.

In one embodiment, the one or more bridges of dielectric material on thelower Tx and Rx blocks are defined by one or more slots in the lower Txand Rx blocks.

In one embodiment, the Tx and Rx waveguide filters each includerespective lower Tx and Rx blocks and respective first and second upperTx and Rx blocks stacked on the respective lower Tx and Rx blocks.

In one embodiment, an RF signal transmission window and an RF signaltransmission pad are defined between the respective Tx and Rx lowerblocks and the respective first upper Tx and Rx blocks and at leastfirst and second RF signal transmission windows are defined between therespective Tx and Rx lower blocks and the respective second upper Tx andRx blocks.

In one embodiment, the Tx and Rx waveguide filters define respective Txand Rx longitudinal axes, the RF signal transmission window and the RFsignal transmission pad defined between the respective Tx and Rx lowerblocks and the respective first upper Tx and Rx blocks intersecting therespective Tx and Rx longitudinal axes and at least one of the first andsecond RF signal transmission windows defined between the respective Txand Rx lower blocks and the respective second upper Tx and Rx blocksintersecting the respective Tx and Rx longitudinal axes.

In one embodiment, the first and second RF signal transmission windowsdefined between the respective Rx lower block and the second upper Rxblock intersect the Rx longitudinal axis, and further comprising a thirdRF signal transmission window defined between the Tx lower block and thesecond upper Tx block, the other of the first and second RF signaltransmission windows and the third RF signal transmission window definedbetween the Tx lower block and the second upper Tx block being locatedon opposite sides of and parallel to the Rx longitudinal axis.

In one embodiment, the lower block of each of the Tx and Rx waveguidefilters defines a step and respective input/output through-holesterminating in respective openings in the respective step, therespective RF Tx and Rx input/outputs surrounding the respectiveopenings in the respective steps.

The present invention is further directed to an RF dielectric waveguideduplexer filter module for the transmission of Tx and Rx RF signalscomprising a first plurality of separate blocks of dielectric materialeach including a plurality of exterior surfaces and coupled together todefine a Tx RF signal filter including a base Tx RF signal blockdefining a Tx RF signal input/output and one or more upper Tx RF signalblocks stacked on the base Tx RF signal block, a second plurality ofseparate blocks of dielectric material each including a plurality ofexterior surfaces and coupled together to define a Rx RF signal filterincluding a base Rx signal block defining a Rx RF signal input/outputand one or more upper Rx RF signal blocks stacked on the base Rx RFsignal block, a separate antenna block of dielectric material includinga plurality of exterior surfaces and defining a Tx and Rx signalinput/output and coupled to the base Tx and Rx signal blocks, a layer ofconductive material covering the plurality of exterior surfaces of eachof the respective first and second plurality and antenna blocks ofdielectric material, first and second direct coupling RF signaltransmission paths defined between the antenna block and the respectivebase Tx and Rx blocks, a plurality of third direct coupling RF signaltransmission paths defined between the respective base Tx and Rx blocksand the respective upper Tx and Rx blocks, one or more cross-coupling RFsignal transmission paths defined in each of the base Tx and Rx RFsignal blocks, the Tx RF signal being transmitted only in the directionof the antenna Tx and Rx signal input/output and between the base andupper Tx RF signal blocks, and the Rx signal being transmitted only inthe direction of the Rx RF signal input/output and between the base andupper Rx RF signal blocks.

In one embodiment, the first, second, and third direct coupling RFsignal transmission paths are defined by respective direct coupling RFsignal transmission windows defined in the layer of conductive material.

In one embodiment, the respective direct coupling RF signal transmissionwindows are defined by respective regions on selected ones of theplurality of exterior surfaces of the respective blocks which are devoidof the layer of conductive material.

In one embodiment, the one or more cross-coupling RF signal transmissionpaths are defined by one or more bridges of dielectric material definedin each of the base Tx and Rx RF signal blocks respectively.

In one embodiment, all of the cross-coupling RF signal transmissionpaths are defined in the base Tx and Rx signal blocks, the respective Txand Rx RF signal input/outputs are located at one end of the filtermodule, and the antenna RF signal input/output is located at an oppositeend of the filter module.

Other advantages and features of the present invention will be morereadily apparent from the following detailed description of thepreferred embodiment of the invention, the accompanying drawings, andthe appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the invention can best be understood by thefollowing description of the accompanying FIGURES as follows:

FIG. 1 is an enlarged perspective view of an RF dielectric waveguideduplexer filter module in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective, part phantom view of the RFdielectric waveguide duplexer filter module shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged exploded perspective, part phantom view of the RFdielectric waveguide duplexer filter module shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the RF dielectricwaveguide filter module shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 5 is a graph depicting the performance of the RF dielectricwaveguide duplexer filter module shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4 depict a radio-frequency (RF) ceramic dielectricduplexer waveguide filter module 10 in accordance with the presentinvention which comprises three separate filters that have been attachedtogether to form the RF waveguide filter module 10, namely, an Rx(receive) RF signal transmission ceramic dielectric waveguide filter 40,a Tx (transmit) RF signal transmission ceramic dielectric waveguidefilter 60, and an antenna Rx and Tx RF signal transmission ceramicdielectric waveguide filter or block 920.

In the embodiment shown, the Rx RF signal waveguide filter 40 includesthree separate solid blocks of dielectric material which have beenattached together as shown, namely, an elongate generally rectangularshaped base or lower solid block or layer of dielectric material 101 andrespective generally rectangular shaped first and second upper solidblocks or layers of dielectric material 200 and 250 which have beenstacked on the top of the base block 101 in a spaced-apart and parallelas described in more detail below.

The Tx RF signal waveguide filter 60 likewise includes three separatesolid blocks of dielectric material which have been attached together asshown, namely, an elongate generally rectangular shaped base or lowersolid block or layer of dielectric material 103 and respective generallyrectangular shaped first and second upper solid blocks or layers ofdielectric material 300 and 350 which have been stacked on the top ofthe base block 103 in a spaced-apart and parallel relationship asdescribed in more detail below.

In the embodiment shown, the Rx and Tx RF signal waveguide filters 40and 60 are attached together in a side-by-side and abutting relationshipalong respective longitudinally extending exterior surfaces thereof andthe antenna block 920 extends in a direction transverse to the Rx and Txwaveguide filters 40 and 60 and is attached to a transverse exterior endsurface or face of both of the respective Rx and Tx waveguide filters 40and 60 to allow for the transmission and reception and filtering of RFRx (receive) and Tx (transmit) signals as described in more detailbelow.

Also, in the embodiment shown, all of the separate blocks defining themodule 10, with the exception of the antenna block 920, have the samewidth; all of the separate blocks defining the module 10 have the sameheight; the length of the upper blocks 200 and 300 is less than half thelength of the respective base blocks 101 and 103; the length of theupper blocks 250 and 350 is less than half of the length of the upperblocks 200 and 300 b; the length of the base block 103 is less than thelength of the base block 101; and the length of the upper block 300 isless than the length of the upper block 200.

Each of the solid base or lower blocks or layers of dielectric material101 and 103 is comprised of a suitable solid block or layer ofdielectric material, such as for example ceramic; includes opposedlongitudinal horizontal exterior top and bottom surfaces 102 and 104extending longitudinally in the same direction as the respectivelongitudinal axis L₁ and L₂ of the respective blocks 101 and 103;opposed longitudinal side vertical exterior surfaces 106 and 108extending longitudinally in the same direction as the respectivelongitudinal axis L₁ and L₃; and opposed transverse side verticalexterior end surfaces 110 and 112 extending in a direction generallynormal to and intersecting the respective longitudinal axis L₁ and L₃.

Each of the blocks 101 and 103 includes a plurality of resonant sections(also referred to as cavities or cells or resonators) 114, 115, 116, and118 and 120, 121, 122, and 123 respectively which extend in a spacedapart relationship along and in the same direction as the longitudinalaxis L₁ and are separated from each other by a plurality of (and morespecifically three in the embodiment shown) spaced-apart vertical slitsor slots 124, 125, and 126 which are cut into the respective surfaces108 of the respective blocks 101 and 103 and RF signal bridges 128, 129,and 130 and 132, 133, and 134 of dielectric material as described inmore detail below.

The first plurality of slots 124, 125, and 126 extend along the lengthof the side surface 108 of the block 101 in a spaced-apart and parallelrelationship relative to each other and in a relationship generallynormal to the longitudinal axis L₁. Each of the slots 124, 125, and 126cuts through the side surface 108 and the opposed horizontal surfaces102 and 104 and partially through the body and the dielectric materialof the block 101.

The second plurality of slots 124, 125, and 126 extend along the lengthof the side surface 108 of the block 103 in a spaced-apart and parallelrelationship relative to each other; in a relationship generally normalto the longitudinal axis L₃. Each of the slots 124, 125 and 126 in theblock 103 cuts through the side surface 108 and the opposed horizontalsurfaces 102 and 104 and partially through the body and the dielectricmaterial of the block 103. In the coupled relationship of the blocks ofthe module 10 as shown in the FIGURES, the first and second pluralitiesof slots 124, 125, and 126 on the respective blocks 101 and 103 aredisposed in a co-linear and facing relationship.

Thus, in the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the first and secondpluralities of slots 124, 125, and 126 terminate short of the opposedside surface 106 so as to define respective RF signal bridges 128, 129,and 130 on the block 101 and RF signal bridges 132, 133, and 134 on theblock 103 each comprised of a bridge or island of dielectric materialwhich extends in the vertical direction between the surfaces 102 and 104of each of the blocks 101 and 103 and in the horizontal directionbetween the respective slots 124 and 126 and the respective surfaces106.

The bridge 128 of dielectric material on the block 101 bridges andinterconnects the dielectric material of the resonator 114 to thedielectric material of the resonator 115, the bridge 129 of dielectricmaterial bridges and interconnects the dielectric material of theresonator 115 to the dielectric material of the resonator 116, and thebridge 130 of dielectric material interconnects the dielectric materialof the resonator 116 to the dielectric material of the resonator 118.

In a similar manner, the bridge 132 of dielectric material on the block103 interconnects the dielectric material of the resonator 120 to thedielectric material of the resonator 121, the bridge 133 of dielectricmaterial bridges and interconnects the dielectric material of theresonator 121 to the dielectric material of the resonator 122, and thebridge 134 of dielectric material bridges and interconnects thedielectric material of the resonator 122 to the dielectric material ofthe resonator 123.

In the embodiment shown, the width of each of the RF signal bridges orislands of dielectric material 128, 129, 130, 132, 133, and 134 isdependent upon the distance which the respective slots 124, 125, and 126extend into the body of the respective blocks 101 and 103.

Although not shown in any of the FIGURES, it is understood that thethickness or width of the slots 124, 125, and 126 and the depth ordistance which the slots 124, 125, and 126 extend from the side surface108 into the body and dielectric material of each of the blocks 101 and103 may be varied depending upon the particular application to allow thewidth and the length of the RF signal bridges 128, 129, 130, 131, 132,133, and 134 to be varied accordingly to allow control of the electricalcoupling and bandwidth of the respective Tx and Rx waveguide filters 40and 60 hence control of the performance characteristics of therespective Tx and Rx waveguide filters 40 and 60.

The blocks 101 and 103 additionally comprise and define respective endsteps or notches 136 and 138 each comprising, in the embodiment shown, agenerally L-shaped recessed or grooved or shouldered or notched regionor section of the longitudinal horizontal surface 102, opposed sidesurfaces 106 and 108, and side end surfaces 110 of the respective blocks101 and 103 from which dielectric ceramic material has been removed oris absent.

Stated another way, the respective steps 136 and 138 are defined in andby a stepped or recessed end section or region of each of the respectiveblocks 101 and 103, and more specifically by a stepped or recessed endsection or region of the portion of the respective blocks 101 and 103defining the respective resonators 114 and 122, having a height lessthan the height of the remainder of the respective blocks 101 and 103.

Stated yet another way, the respective steps 136 and 138 each comprise agenerally L-shaped recessed or notched portion of the respective endresonators 118 and 120 defined on the respective blocks 101 and 103which includes a first generally horizontal surface 140 located ordirected inwardly of, spaced from, and parallel to the horizontalsurface 102 of the respective blocks 101 and 103 and a second generallyvertical surface or wall 142 located or directed inwardly of, spacedfrom, and parallel to, the side end surface 110 of the respective blocks101 and 103.

In the embodiment shown, the surface 140 and the wall 142 of therespective steps 136 and 138 are located between the side end surface112 and spaced from the slot 126 of the respective blocks 101 and 103with the surface 140 terminating and cutting into the side end surface112 and the surface 140 and the wall 142 terminating at a point andlocation in the body of the respective blocks 101 and 103 that is spacedfrom and short of the slot 126 with the wall 142 being located betweenand spaced from and generally parallel to the slot 126 and the block endface 112.

The blocks 101 and 103 additionally each comprise an electrical RFsignal input/output electrode in the form of respective through-holes146 extending through the body of the respective blocks 101 and 103 in arelationship generally normal to the respective longitudinal axis L₁ andL₃ thereof and, more specifically, through the respective steps 136 and138 thereof and, still more specifically, through the body of therespective end resonators 118 and 120 defined in the respective blocks101 and 103 between, and in relationship generally normal to, thesurface 140 of the respective steps 136 and 138 and the surface 102 ofthe respective blocks 101 and 103.

Still more specifically, the respective RF signal input/outputthrough-holes 146 are spaced from and generally parallel to and locatedbetween the respective transverse side end surface 112 and the wall 142of the respective blocks 101 and 103 and define respective generallycircular openings terminating in the top step surface 140 and the bottomblock surface 102 respectively of each of the respective blocks 101 and103. Respective input/output pads of conductive material 147 surroundthe respective openings defined in the respective steps 136 and 138.

Thus, in the embodiment shown, in each of the respective blocks 101 and103, the step wall 142 is located between and spaced from the slot 126and the block end face 112 and the through-hole 146 is located betweenand spaced from the step wall 142 and the block end face 112.

All of the external surfaces 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, and 112 of theblocks 101 and 103, the internal surfaces of the slots 124, 125, and126, and the internal surfaces of the input/output through-holes 146 arecovered with a suitable conductive material such as for example silverexcept as otherwise described below.

Specifically, each of the blocks 101 and 103 and, more specifically, thetop surface 102 of each of the blocks 101 and 103 defines a plurality ofregions or portions devoid of conductive material and, still morespecifically, in the embodiment shown, respective regions or portions102 a, 102 b, 102 c, and 102 d as described in more detail below withthe block 103 defining an additional region or portion 102 e as alsodescribed in more detail below.

The respective regions or portions 102 a are ring shaped regions orportions of dielectric material (i.e., regions or portions devoid ofconductive material) which define respective isolated circular RF signalinput/output transmission regions or pads or electrodes 102 frespectively, are positioned in a relationship co-linear with therespective longitudinal axis L₁ and L₂, and are positioned in the regionof the respective blocks 101 and 103 defining the respective resonators114 and 123, and still more specifically are located in the region ofthe respective blocks between and spaced from the respective sidesurfaces 110 and the respective slots 124.

The respective regions or portions 102 b are rectangular shaped regionsor portions of dielectric material (i.e., regions or portions devoid ofconductive material) which define respective RF signal transmissionwindows. In the embodiment shown, the regions or windows 102 b intersectand are positioned in a relationship normal to the respectivelongitudinal axis L₁ and L₂ and further are positioned in the region ofthe respective resonators 115 and 122 of the respective blocks 101 and103 and still further are positioned on the respective blocks 101 and103 between and spaced from the respective slots 124 and 125.

The respective regions or portions 102 c are also rectangular shapedregions or portions of dielectric material (i.e., regions or portionsdevoid of conductive material) which define respective RF signaltransmission windows. In the embodiment shown, the region or window 102c on the block 101 intersects and is positioned in a relationship normalto the longitudinal axis L₁, and the region or window 102 c on the block103 is positioned in a relationship parallel and spaced from thelongitudinal axis L₂ of the block 103. Moreover, the respective regionsor windows 102 c on the respective blocks 101 and 103 are positioned inthe region of the respective resonators 116 and 121 of the respectiveblocks 101 and 103 and still more specifically in the region of therespective blocks 101 and 103 between the respective slots 125 and 126.

The respective regions or portions 102 d are also rectangular shapedregions or portions of dielectric material (i.e., regions or portionsdevoid of conductive material) which define respective RF signaltransmission windows. In the embodiment shown, the region or window 102d on the respective blocks 101 and 103 intersects and is positioned in arelationship normal to the respective longitudinal axis L₁ and L₂, arelocated in the region of the respective blocks 101 and 103 defining therespective resonators 118 and 120, and more specifically are located onthe respective blocks 101 and 103 between and spaced from the respectiveslots 126 and the respective steps 136 and 138.

The block 103 includes one additional rectangular shaped region orportion 102 e (FIGS. 2 and 3) of dielectric material (i.e., a region orportion devoid of conductive material) which defines an RF signaltransmission window. In the embodiment shown, the region or window 102 eon the block 103 is positioned in a relationship diametrically opposedto and parallel to the RF signal transmission window 102 c and stillmore specifically in a relationship with the respective RF signaltransmission windows 102 c and 102 e located on opposites sides of, andparallel to, and spaced from the longitudinal axis L₂.

Additionally, the blocks 101 and 103, and more specifically the exteriorside surfaces 110 thereof, include respective generally rectangularshaped regions of dielectric material 110 a and 110 b (i.e., regions onthe respective exterior surfaces 110 devoid of conductive material)defining respective RF signal transmission windows as described in moredetail below.

The upper block 200 of the Rx waveguide filter 40 is generallyrectangular in shape and is comprised of a suitable solid block ofdielectric material, such as for example ceramic; includes opposedlongitudinal horizontal exterior top and bottom surfaces 202 and 204extending longitudinally in the same direction as the longitudinal axisL₁ of the block 200; opposed longitudinal side vertical exteriorsurfaces 206 and 208 extending longitudinally in the same direction asthe longitudinal axis L₁; and opposed transverse side vertical exteriorend surfaces 210 and 212 extending in a direction generally normal toand intersecting the longitudinal axis L₁.

The upper block 200 of the Rx waveguide filter 40 includes a plurality,i.e., a pair resonant sections (also referred to as cavities or cells orresonators) 214 and 216 that extend in a spaced apart relationship alongand in the same direction as the longitudinal axis L₁ and are separatedfrom each other by a slot 224 that is cut into the side surface 208 ofthe block 200 and the opposed horizontal surfaces 202 and 204 andpartially through the body and the dielectric material of the block 200to define an RF signal transmission bridge 228 of dielectric material.

All of the external surfaces 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, and 212 of theblock 200 and the internal surfaces of the slot 224 are covered with asuitable conductive material such as for example silver except asotherwise described below.

Specifically, the block 200 defines a plurality, namely a pair, ofregions or portions devoid of conductive material and, still morespecifically, in the embodiment shown, respective regions or portions204 a and 204 b.

The region or portion 204 a is a ring shaped region or portion ofdielectric material (i.e., a region or portion devoid of conductivematerial) which defines an isolated circular RF signal input/outputtransmission region or pad or electrode 204 f that is positioned in arelationship co-linear with the longitudinal axis L₁ and is positionedin the region of the block 200 defining the resonator 214, and stillmore specifically is located in the region of the block 200 between andspaced from the side surface 210 and the slot 224.

The region or portion 204 b is a rectangular shaped region or portion ofdielectric material (i.e., a region or portion devoid of conductivematerial) which defines an RF signal transmission window. In theembodiment shown, the region or window 204 b intersects and ispositioned in a relationship normal to the longitudinal axis L₁ andfurther is positioned in the region of the resonator 216 of the block200 and still further is positioned on the block 200 between and spacedfrom the slot 224 and the end face 212.

The block 200 is seated and stacked on top of the block 101 with thelower surface 204 of the block 200 abutted against the upper surface 102of the block 101; the exterior side surface 210 of the block 200 invertical co-planar alignment with the exterior side surface 110 of theblock 101; the slot 224 in the block 200 in vertical co-planar alignmentwith the slot 124 in the block 101; the respective RF signaltransmission pads 102 a and 204 a on the respective blocks 101 and 200abutted against each other; and the respective RF signal transmissionwindows 102 b and 204 b on the respective blocks 101 and 200 inalignment with each other so as to define an internal RF signaltransmission window 400 b in the layer of conductive material definedbetween the blocks 101 and 200 by the respective layers of conductivematerial covering the respective exterior surfaces 102 and 204 of therespective blocks 101 and 200.

Thus, in the embodiment shown, the respective RF signal transmissionpads 102 a and 204 a and the interior RF signal transmission window 400b are located on opposite sides of and spaced from the respective slots124 and 224 in the respective blocks 101 and 200 and define respectivedirect coupling RF signal transmission paths or transmission lines forthe transmission of the Rx signal between the respective blocks 101 and200 as described in more detail below.

The upper block 250 of the Rx waveguide filter 40 is generallyrectangular in shape and is comprised of a suitable solid block ofdielectric material, such as for example ceramic; includes opposedlongitudinal horizontal exterior top and bottom surfaces 252 and 254extending longitudinally in the same direction as the longitudinal axisL₁ of the block 250; opposed longitudinal side vertical exteriorsurfaces 256 and 258 extending longitudinally in the same direction asthe longitudinal axis L₁; and opposed transverse side vertical exteriorend surfaces 260 and 262 extending in a direction generally normal toand intersecting the longitudinal axis L₁.

The upper block 250 of the Rx waveguide filter 40 includes one resonantsection (also referred to as cavity or cell or resonator) 255.

All of the external surfaces 252, 254, 256, 258, 260, and 262 of theblock 250 are covered with a suitable conductive material such as forexample silver except as otherwise described below.

Specifically, the block 250 defines a plurality, namely a pair, ofregions or portions devoid of conductive material and, still morespecifically, in the embodiment shown, respective regions or portions254 c and 254 d.

The region or portion 254 c is a rectangular shaped region or portion ofdielectric material (i.e., a region or portion devoid of conductivematerial) which defines an RF signal transmission window. In theembodiment shown, the region or window 254 c on the block 250 intersectsand is positioned in a relationship normal to the longitudinal axis L₁.

The region or portion 254 d is also a rectangular shaped region orportion of dielectric material (i.e., a region or portion devoid ofconductive material) which defines an RF signal transmission window. Inthe embodiment shown, the region or window 254 d intersects and ispositioned in a relationship normal to the respective longitudinal axisL₁ and is positioned in a relationship diametrically opposed, spacedfrom, and parallel to the RF signal transmission window 254 c. The block250 is seated and stacked on top of the block 101 with the lower surface304 of the block 250 abutted against the upper surface 102 of the block101; located between and spaced from the slot 125 and the step 136 onthe block 101; the respective RF signal transmission windows 102 c and102 d on the block 101 in alignment with the respective RF signaltransmission windows 254 c and 254 d on the block 200 to definerespective internal RF signal transmission windows 500 c and 500 d inthe layer of conductive material defined between the blocks 101 and 250by the respective layers of conductive material covering the respectiveexterior surfaces 102 and 254 of the respective blocks 101 and 250.

Thus, in the embodiment shown, the respective interior RF signaltransmission windows 500 c and 500 d are located on opposite sides ofand spaced from the slot 126 defined in the block 101 and definerespective direct coupling RF signal transmission paths or transmissionlines for the transmission of the Tx signal between the respectiveblocks 101 and 250 as described in more detail below.

The upper block 300 of the Tx waveguide filter 60 is generallyrectangular in shape and is comprised of a suitable dielectric material,such as for example ceramic; includes opposed longitudinal horizontalexterior top and bottom surfaces 302 and 304 extending longitudinally inthe same direction as the longitudinal axis L₂ of the block 300; opposedlongitudinal side vertical exterior surfaces 306 and 308 extendinglongitudinally in the same direction as the longitudinal axis L₂; andopposed transverse side vertical exterior end surfaces 310 and 312extending in a direction generally normal to and intersecting thelongitudinal axis L₂.

The upper block 300 of the Tx waveguide filter 60 includes a plurality,i.e., a pair resonant sections (also referred to as cavities or cells orresonators) 222 and 223 that extend in a spaced apart relationship alongand in the same direction as the longitudinal axis L₂ and are separatedfrom each other by a slot 324 that is cut into the side surface 308 ofthe block 300 and the opposed horizontal surfaces 302 and 304 andpartially through the body and the dielectric material of the block 300to define an RF signal transmission bridge 328 of dielectric material.

All of the external surfaces 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, and 312 of theblock 300 and the internal surfaces of the slot 324 are covered with asuitable conductive material such as for example silver except asotherwise described below.

Specifically, the block 300 defines a plurality, namely a pair, ofregions or portions devoid of conductive material and, still morespecifically, in the embodiment shown, respective regions or portions304 a and 304 b.

The region or portion 304 a is a ring shaped region or portion ofdielectric material (i.e., a region or portion devoid of conductivematerial) which defines an isolated circular RF signal input/outputtransmission region or pad or electrode 304 f that is positioned in arelationship co-linear with the longitudinal axis L₂ and is positionedin the region of the block 300 defining the resonator 223, and stillmore specifically is located in the region of the block 300 between andspaced from the block end face 310 and the slot 324.

The region or portion 304 b is a rectangular shaped region or portion ofdielectric material (i.e., a region or portion devoid of conductivematerial) which defines an RF signal transmission window. In theembodiment shown, the region or window 304 b intersects and ispositioned in a relationship normal to the longitudinal axis L₂ andfurther is positioned in the region of the resonator 222 of the block300 and still further is positioned on the block 300 between and spacedfrom the slot 324 and the block end face 312.

The block 300 is seated and stacked on top of the block 103 with thelower surface 304 of the block 300 abutted against the upper surface 102of the block 103; the exterior side surface 310 of the block 300 invertical co-planar alignment with the exterior side surface 110 of theblock 103; the slot 324 in the block 300 in vertical co-planar alignmentwith the slot 124 in the block 103; the respective RF signaltransmission pads 102 a and 304 a on the respective blocks 101 and 300abutted against each other; and the respective RF signal transmissionwindows 102 b and 304 b on the respective blocks 101 and 300 inalignment with each other to define an internal RF signal transmissionwindow 600 b in the layer of conductive material defined between theblocks 101 and 300 by the respective layers of conductive materialcovering the respective exterior surfaces 102 and 304 of the respectiveblocks 101 and 300.

Thus, in the embodiment shown, the respective RF signal transmissionpads 102 a and 304 a and the interior RF signal transmission window 600b are located on opposite sides of and spaced from the respective slots124 and 324 in the respective blocks 101 and 300 and define respectivedirect coupling RF signal transmission paths or transmission lines forthe transmission of the Tx signal between the respective blocks 101 and300 as described in more detail below.

The upper block 350 of the Tx waveguide filter 60 is generallyrectangular in shape and is comprised of a suitable solid block ofdielectric material, such as for example ceramic; includes opposedlongitudinal horizontal exterior top and bottom surfaces 352 and 354extending longitudinally in the same direction as the longitudinal axisL₂ of the block 350; opposed longitudinal side vertical exteriorsurfaces 356 and 358 extending longitudinally in the same direction asthe longitudinal axis L₂; and opposed transverse side vertical exteriorend surfaces 360 and 362 extending in a direction generally normal toand intersecting the longitudinal axis L₂.

The upper block 350 of the Tx waveguide filter 60 includes one resonantsection (also referred to as cavity or cell or resonator) 355.

All of the external surfaces 352, 354, 356, 358, 360, and 362 of theblock 250 are covered with a suitable conductive material such as forexample silver except as otherwise described below.

Specifically, the block 350 defines a plurality, namely three, ofregions or portions devoid of conductive material and, still morespecifically, in the embodiment shown, respective regions or portions354 c, 354 d, and 354 e.

The region or portion 354 c is a rectangular shaped region or portion ofdielectric material (i.e., a region or portion devoid of conductivematerial) which defines an RF signal transmission window. In theembodiment shown, the region or window 354 c on the block 350 ispositioned in a relationship parallel and spaced from the longitudinalaxis L₂.

The region or portion 354 d is also a rectangular shaped region orportion of dielectric material (i.e., a region or portion devoid ofconductive material) which defines an RF signal transmission window. Inthe embodiment shown, the region or window 354 d intersects and ispositioned in a relationship normal to the respective longitudinal axisL₂.

The region or portion 354 e is also a rectangular shaped region orportion of dielectric material (i.e., a region or portion devoid ofconductive material) which defines an RF signal transmission window. Inthe embodiment shown, the respective regions or windows 354 c and 354 eare positioned in a diametrically opposed relationship on opposite sidesof and spaced from and parallel to the longitudinal axis L₂.

The block 350 is seated and stacked on top of the block 103 with thelower surface 304 of the block 350 abutted against the upper surface 102of the block 103; located between and spaced from the slot 125 and thestep 138 on the block 103; the respective RF signal transmission windows102 c, 102 d, and 102 e on the block 103 in alignment with therespective RF signal transmission windows 354 c, 354 d, and 354 e on theblock 350 to define respective internal RF signal transmission windows700 c, 800 d, and 900 e in the layer of conductive material definedbetween the blocks 101 and 350 by the respective layers of conductivematerial covering the respective exterior surfaces 102 and 354 of therespective blocks 101 and 350.

Thus, in the embodiment shown, the respective interior RF signaltransmission windows 700 c and 900 e are located on one side of andspaced from the slot 126 defined in the block 126 while the other RFsignal transmission window 800 d is located on the other side of andspaced from the slot 126 and together define respective direct couplingRF signal transmission paths or transmission lines for the transmissionof the Rx signal between the respective blocks 101 and 350 as describedin more detail below.

Thus, in the embodiment shown, the base or lower blocks 101 and 103 areattached together in a side-by-side relationship with the respectiveexterior side surfaces 108 abutted against each other and defining aninternal or interior ground layer of conductive material there betweenthat is co-linear with the longitudinal axis L₃ of the waveguide filtermodule 10 and is defined by the respective layers of conductive materialcovering the respective exterior surfaces 108 of the respective blocks101 and 103 and electrically separating the respective resonators on theblock 101 from the respective resonators on the block 103; therespective slots 124, 125, and 126 in the respective blocks 101 and 103face and are co-linear with each other; the respective exterior surfaces208 and 308 of the respective upper blocks 200 and 300 abutted againsteach other and defining an internal or interior ground layer ofconductive material there between by the respective layers of conductivematerial covering the respective exterior surfaces 208 and 308 of therespective upper blocks 200 and 300 and electrically separating therespective resonators in the block 200 from the respective resonators inthe block 330; the respective slots 224 and 324 facing each other; andthe respective exterior surfaces 258 and 358 of the respective upperblocks 250 and 350 abutted against each other and defining an internalor interior ground layer of conductive material there between by therespective layers of conductive material covering the respectiveexterior surfaces 258 and 358 of the respective blocks 250 and 350 andelectrically separating the resonator in the block 300 from theresonator in the block 350.

In the embodiment shown, the upper blocks 200 and 250 are abuttedagainst the respective upper blocks 300 and 350 in an off-settingrelationship.

The Tx and Rx RF signal antenna block 920 is also comprised of asuitable solid block of dielectric material, such as for exampleceramic; includes opposed longitudinal horizontal exterior top andbottom surfaces 922 and 924 extending longitudinally in the samedirection as the respective longitudinal axis L₄ of the antenna block920; opposed longitudinal side vertical exterior surfaces 926 and 928extending longitudinally in the same direction as the longitudinal axisL₄; and opposed transverse side vertical exterior end surfaces 950 and952 extending in a direction generally normal to and intersecting thelongitudinal axis L₄.

A pair of slots 954 and 956 extend along the length of the longitudinalside surface 928 of the block 920 in a spaced-apart and parallelrelationship relative to each other and in a relationship generallynormal to the longitudinal axis L₄. Each of the slots 954 and 956 cutsthrough the side surface 928 and the opposed horizontal surfaces 922 and924 and partially through the body and the dielectric material of theblock 920.

The antenna block 920 additionally defines a step or notch 960comprising, in the embodiment shown, a recessed or grooved or notchedregion or section of the lower horizontal exterior surface 924. In theembodiment shown, the step or notch 960 is generally centrally locatedin the block 920 and, extends the full width of the block 920 in arelationship normal and intersecting the longitudinal axis L₄ andterminates in respective grooves defined in the respective side exteriorsurfaces 926 and 928. The slots 954 and 956 are located in and extend inthe same direction as the step or notch 960.

The antenna block 920 additionally comprises an electrical RF signalinput/output electrode in the form of a through-hole 962 extendingthrough the body of the block 920 in a relationship generally normal tothe longitudinal axis L₄ thereof and, more specifically, through thestep 960 and still more specifically defining respective openings in thestep 960 and the top surface 922 of the block 920.

The antenna block 920 includes an Rx RF signal resonant section (alsoreferred to as cavity or cell or resonator) 965 and a Tx RF signalresonant section 967 which respectively form part of and definerespective additional resonators of the respective Rx and Tx filters 40and 60. In the embodiment shown, the Rx and Tx resonators 965 and 967are located on opposite sides of and spaced from the step 960 and thelongitudinal axis L₄.

All of the external surfaces 922, 924, 926, 928, 950, and 952 of theblock 920, the internal surfaces of the slots 954 and 956, and theinternal surface of the RF signal input/output through-hole 962 iscovered with a suitable conductive material such as for example silverexcept as otherwise described below.

Specifically, the antenna block 920 and, more specifically, the exteriorlongitudinal exterior side surface 928 thereof, includes a pair ofdiametrically opposed rectangular shaped regions or portions 928 a and928 b of dielectric material (i.e., regions or portions devoid ofconductive material) that define respective RF signal transmissionwindows. A circular shaped region or portion 928C of dielectric material(i.e., a region or portion of the block devoid of conductive material)surrounds the opening defined in the top surface 912 of the antennablock 920 by the through-hole 962 defined therein.

The antenna block 920 is attached to the Rx and Tx waveguide filters 40and 60 in a relationship with the longitudinal exterior side surface 928of the antenna block 920 abutted against the respective exterior sidesurfaces 110 of the respective blocks 101 and 103 of the respective Rxand Tx waveguide filters 40 and 60 and still more specifically with therespective RF signal transmission windows 110 a and 110 b on therespective exterior surfaces 110 of the respective blocks 101 and 103 inalignment with the respective RF signal transmission windows 928 a and928 b on the exterior surface 928 of the block 920 to define respectiveinterior or internal RF signal transmission windows 1000 a and 1000 b inthe interior or internal layer of conductive material between the block920 and the blocks 101 and 103 that is defined by the exterior layer ofconductive material on the respective exterior surfaces 110 and 928 ofthe respective blocks 101, 103, and 920. The windows 1000 a and 1000 ballow for the transmission of RF signals between the block 920 and theblocks 101 and 103 as described in more detail below.

Specifically, the Tx RF signal is adapted to be inputted into the Tx RFwaveguide filter 60 and through-hole 146 at one end of the Tx RF signalwaveguide filter 60, then is transmitted through the Tx signal blocks103, 350, and 300 of the Tx RF signal waveguide filter 60 as describedin more detail below, then is transmitted into the antenna block 920 viaand through the interior or internal Tx RF signal transmission window1000 b located between the Tx block 103 and the antenna block 920, andthen is outputted via the antenna through-hole 962.

An Rx RF signal is adapted to be inputted into the antenna block 920 viaand through the antenna through-hole 962 and transmitted through theantenna block 920, then is inputted into the Rx RF signal waveguidefilter module 40 via and through the interior or internal RF signaltransmission window 1000 a located between the antenna block 920 and theRx block 101, then is transmitted through Rx signal blocks 101, 200, and250, and then is outputted via and through the through-hole 146 in theblock 101.

In accordance with the present invention, the respective Rx and Txsignal waveguide filters 40 and 60 include both direct RF signaltransmission paths or couplings, generally designated with the arrows din FIGS. 1 and 2 and also indirect or cross or inductive RF signaltransmission paths or couplings, generally designated with the arrows cin FIGS. 1 and 2. Further, in accordance with the present invention, allof the indirect/inductive/cross-couplings are located in the respectivebase or lower blocks or layers of dielectric material 101 and 103 of therespective Rx and Tx waveguide filters 40 and 60.

In accordance with the present invention, the placement of all of theindirect cross-couplings in the lower layers or blocks 101 and 103 ofthe Rx and Tx filters allows for the RF signal antenna, Rx, and Txinput/outputs to all be located on the lower Rx, Tx, and antenna blocks101, 103, and 920 respectively which allows for either a surface mountof the filter 10 directly to the surface of a printed circuit board (notshown) or the use of connectors (not shown) extending from the exteriortop surface of the respective lower layer blocks 101, 103, and 920 ofthe filter module 10.

Further, in accordance with the present invention, the placement of allof the indirect cross-couplings in the lower layers or blocks 101 and103 of the Rx and Tx filters allows for the antenna Tx and Rx signalinput/output through-hole 962 and the respective Rx and Tx signalinput/output through-holes 146 to be located at opposite ends of theduplexer module 10 and still more specifically to be positioned andlocated in the same lower or base plane or blocks 101, 103, and 920 ofthe filter module 10 again so as to allow for surface mounting of thefilter 10 to a printed circuit board or substrate or the like or the useof connectors (not shown) extending from the exterior top surface of therespective lower layer blocks 101, 103, and 920 of the filter module 10.

Still further in accordance with the present invention, the stacking ofthe blocks 200 and 250 on top of the base block 101 of the Rx filter 40and the stacking of the blocks 300 and 350 on the top of the base block103 of the Tx filter 60 allows for a reduction in the overall length andfootprint of the filter module 10 and further allows for additionalcross-couplings in the respective base blocks 101 and 103 that improvethe overall performance of the filter module 10.

Thus, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the Tx signal at all times istransmitted and flows both via direct and cross-coupling RF signaltransmission paths through the blocks 103, 350, and 300 of the Txwaveguide filter 40 in one direction towards the antenna block 920 andparallel with the duplexer filter longitudinal axis L₃ with theexception of the direct coupling RF signal transmission paths betweenthe lower block 103 and the upper blocks 300 and 350 which are disposedin a relationship generally normal or perpendicular to the longitudinalaxis L₃.

Still more specifically, and referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the RF signalbridges 132 and 134 on the lower block 103 define cross-coupling RFsignal transmission paths C in the direction of the antenna block 920;the RF signal bridge 133 on the lower block 103 defines a directcoupling RF signal transmission path d in the direction of the antennablock 920; the RF signal bridge 328 on the upper block 300 defines adirect coupling RF signal transmission path d in the direction of theantenna block 920; and the respective internal RF signal transmissionpads and windows 102, 304 a, 600 b, 700 c, 800 d, and 900 e all definedirect coupling RF signal transmission paths between the respectiveblocks 103, 300, and 350 in a direction normal to the duplexerlongitudinal axis L₃.

Still more specifically, the direct transmission path for the Tx RFsignal includes transmission through the following resonatorssuccessively as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2: 120, 355, 121, 122, 222, 223,123, and 967 and the indirect or cross-coupling transmission path forthe Tx RF signal includes transmission from the resonator 120 into theresonator 121 and transmission from the resonator 122 into the resonator123.

In a similar manner as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the Rx signal at alltimes is transmitted and flows both via direct and cross-coupling RFsignal transmission paths through the blocks 101, 200, and 250 of the Rxwaveguide filter 60 in one direction towards the Rx input/outputthrough-hole 146 of the Rx block 101 and parallel with the duplexerfilter longitudinal axis L₃ with the exception of the direct coupling RFsignal transmission paths between the lower block 101 and the upperblocks 200 and 250 which are disposed in a relationship normal orperpendicular to the longitudinal axis L₃.

Still more specifically, and referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the RF signalbridges 128 and 130 on the lower block 101 define cross-coupling RFsignal transmission paths C in the direction of the Rx input/outputthrough-hole 146; the RF signal bridge 125 on the lower block 101defines a direct coupling RF signal transmission path d in the directionof the Rx input/output through-hole 146; the RF signal bridge 228 on theupper block 200 defines a direct coupling RF signal transmission path din the direction of the Rx input/output through-hole 146; and therespective RF signal transmission pads and windows 102 a, 204 a, 400 b,500 c, and 500 d all define direct coupling RF signal transmission pathsbetween the respective blocks 101, 200, and 250 in a direction normal tothe duplexer longitudinal axis L₃.

Still more specifically, the direct transmission path for the Rx RFsignal includes transmission through the following resonatorssuccessively as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2: 965, 114, 214, 216, 115, 116,255, and 118 while the indirect or cross-coupling transmission path forthe Rx RF signal includes transmission from the resonator 114 into theresonator 115 and transmission from the resonator 116 into the resonator118.

While the invention has been taught with specific reference to the RFdielectric waveguide duplexer filter module embodiment shown, it isunderstood that a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognizethat changes can be made in form and detail without departing from thespirit and the scope of the invention. The described embodiment is to beconsidered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive.

For example, it is understood that the resonant RF frequencies andcouplings between the resonators of the respective Tx, Rx, and antennablocks of dielectric material can be controlled as desired depending onthe particular desired application by adjusting or varying for examplethe number, length, width, height, depth, size, location, configuration,orientation, and structure of the various blocks, slots, through-holes,steps, RF signal transmission pads, and RF signal transmission windowsdefined in the respective Tx, Rx, and antenna blocks of dielectricmaterial of the filter module.

What is claimed is:
 1. An RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter modulefor the transmission of Tx and Rx RF signals comprising: respectiveantenna and Tx and Rx blocks of dielectric material attached together ina side-by-side and stacked relationship; a layer of conductive materialcovering each of the respective antenna and Tx and Rx blocks; respectiveantenna and Tx and Rx input/outputs on the antenna and Tx and Rx blocks;and respective RF signal transmission windows in the layer of conductivematerial defining direct coupling RF signal transmission paths betweenthe antenna and the Tx and Rx blocks.
 2. An RF dielectric waveguideduplexer filter module for the transmission of Tx and Rx RF signalscomprising: an antenna block of dielectric material including an antennainput/output, the antenna block including a plurality of exteriorsurfaces covered with a layer of conductive material and first andsecond antenna Tx and Rx signal transmission regions on one of theexterior surfaces defining a direct coupling path for the transmissionof the Tx and Rx RF signals; a Tx RF signal waveguide filter including:stacked Tx blocks of dielectric material including exterior surfacescovered with a layer of conductive material and defining a plurality ofresonators; a plurality of Tx RF signal transmission regions definedbetween the stacked Tx blocks defining a direct coupling path for thetransmission of the Tx RF signal between the stacked Tx blocks; a thirdantenna Tx RF signal transmission region defined on one end exteriorsurface of one of the Tx blocks defining a direct coupling path for thetransmission of the Tx RF signal from the one of the Tx blocks into theantenna block; and a Tx RF signal input/output defined on one of the Txblocks; an RF Rx signal waveguide filter including: stacked Rx blocks ofdielectric material including exterior surfaces covered with a layer ofconductive material and defining a plurality of resonators; a pluralityof Rx RF signal transmission regions defined between the Rx blocksdefining a direct coupling path for the transmission of the Rx RF signalbetween the stacked Rx blocks; a fourth antenna Rx RF signaltransmission region defined on one end exterior surface of one of the Rxblocks defining a direct coupling path for the transmission of the Rx RFsignal from the antenna block into the one of the Rx blocks; an Rx RFsignal input/output defined on one of the Rx blocks; and the Tx and RxRF signal waveguide filters being attached in side-by-side relationshipand the antenna block being attached to the Tx and Rx blocks of therespective Tx and Rx signal waveguide filters in a side-by-siderelationship along the end of the Tx and Rx signal blocks with therespective antenna Tx and Rx signal transmission regions.
 3. The RFdielectric waveguide duplexer filter module of claim 2, wherein thefirst, second, third, and fourth antenna Tx and Rx signal transmissionregions are defined by respective first, second, third and fourth RFsignal transmission windows of dielectric material in the layer ofconductive material covering the respective blocks of dielectricmaterial.
 4. The RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module of claim3, wherein the plurality of Tx and Rx RF signal transmission regionsbetween upper and lower Tx and Rx RF signal blocks are defined byrespective RF signal transmission windows of dielectric material in thelayer of conductive material covering the respective blocks ofdielectric material or respective isolated RF signal transmission padsof conductive material.
 5. The RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filtermodule of claim 4, further comprising one or more bridges of dielectricmaterial on lower Tx and Rx blocks defined by one or more slots in thelower Tx and Rx blocks.
 6. The RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filtermodule of claim 5, wherein the Tx and Rx waveguide filters each includerespective lower Tx and Rx blocks and respective first and second upperTx and Rx blocks stacked on the respective lower Tx and Rx blocks. 7.The RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module of claim 6, whereinan RF signal transmission window and an RF signal transmission pad aredefined between respective Tx and Rx lower blocks and respective firstupper Tx and Rx blocks and at least first and second RF signaltransmission windows are defined between the respective Tx and Rx lowerblocks and respective second upper Tx and Rx blocks.
 8. The RFdielectric waveguide duplexer filter module of claim 7, wherein Tx andRx waveguide filters define respective Tx and Rx longitudinal axes, theRF signal transmission window and the RF signal transmission pad definedbetween the respective Tx and Rx lower blocks and the respective firstupper Tx and Rx blocks intersecting the respective Tx and Rxlongitudinal axes and at least one of the first and second RF signaltransmission windows defined between the respective Tx and Rx lowerblocks and the respective second upper Tx and Rx blocks intersecting therespective Tx and Rx longitudinal axes.
 9. The RF dielectric waveguideduplexer filter module of claim 8, wherein the first and second RFsignal transmission windows defined between the respective Rx lowerblock and the second upper Rx block intersect the Rx longitudinal axis,and further comprising a third RF signal transmission window definedbetween the Tx lower block and the second upper Tx block, the other ofthe first and second RF signal transmission windows and the third RFsignal transmission window defined between the Tx lower block and thesecond upper Tx block being located on opposite sides of and parallel tothe Tx longitudinal axis.
 10. The RF dielectric waveguide duplexerfilter module of claim 9, wherein the lower block of each of the Tx andRx waveguide filters defines a step and respective input/outputthrough-holes terminating in respective openings in the respective step,the respective RF Tx and Rx input/outputs surrounding the respectiveopenings in the respective steps.
 11. An RF dielectric waveguideduplexer filter module for the transmission of Tx and Rx RF signalscomprising: a first plurality of separate blocks of dielectric materialeach including a plurality of exterior surfaces and coupled together todefine a Tx RF signal filter including a base Tx RF signal blockdefining a Tx RF signal input/output and one or more upper Tx RF signalblocks stacked on the base Tx RF signal block; a second plurality ofseparate blocks of dielectric material each including a plurality ofexterior surfaces and coupled together to define a Rx RF signal filterincluding a base Rx signal block defining a Rx RF signal input/outputand one or more upper Rx RF signal blocks stacked on the base Rx RFsignal block; a separate antenna block of dielectric material includinga plurality of exterior surfaces and defining a Tx and Rx signalinput/output and coupled to the base Tx and Rx signal blocks; a layer ofconductive material covering the plurality of exterior surfaces of eachof the respective first and second plurality and antenna blocks ofdielectric material; first and second direct coupling RF signaltransmission paths defined between the antenna block and the respectivebase Tx and Rx blocks; a plurality of third direct coupling RF signaltransmission paths defined between the respective base Tx and Rx blocksand the respective upper Tx and Rx blocks; and one or morecross-coupling RF signal transmission paths defined in each of the baseTx and Rx RF signal blocks.
 12. The RF dielectric waveguide duplexerfilter module of claim 11, wherein the first, second, and third directcoupling RF signal transmission paths are defined by respective directcoupling RF signal transmission windows defined in the layer ofconductive material.
 13. The RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filtermodule of claim 12, wherein the respective direct coupling RF signaltransmission windows are defined by respective regions on selected onesof the plurality of exterior surfaces of the respective blocks which aredevoid of the layer of conductive material.
 14. The RF dielectricwaveguide duplexer filter module of claim 11, wherein the one or morecross-coupling RF signal transmission paths are defined by one or morebridges of dielectric material defined in each of the base Tx and Rx RFsignal blocks respectively.
 15. The RF dielectric waveguide duplexerfilter module of claim 11, wherein all of the cross-coupling RF signaltransmission paths are defined in the base Tx and Rx signal blocks, therespective Tx and Rx RF signal input/outputs are located at one end ofthe filter module, and the antenna RF signal input/output is located atan opposite end of the filter module.